Method and apparatus for providing content on a computer system based on usage profile

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for determining a computer system usage profile, and transmitting the computer system usage profile to a server which targets content to the computer system in response to the usage profile is described. A basic input output system (BIOS) module and/or an operating system module obtain computer system usage profile information by tracking events such as the frequency of re-boots, the time required to boot-up and shut-down the operating system on the computer system, the amount of time the computer system is “used”, and the frequency and amount of time the computer system is connected to the Internet. This data is collected and communicated to a profile server. The profile server targets content such as messages with graphics or informational material, etc. to the computer system based upon the computer system usage profile. In one embodiment, the content is displayed during boot-up and shut-down of the operating system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of computersystems, and specifically, to a method and apparatus for determiningcomputer system usage profile information.

2. Background Information

In a typical computer, such as a PC-compatible computer, the bootprocess involves performing various system tests and displaying a basicinput-output system (BIOS) information screen. This time period isreferred to as power on self test (POST). Once the BIOS completes thePOST, it loads a native operating system. The operating system thenreplaces the BIOS information screen with the operating system's owndisplay screen. The operating system, such as for example, the Windows™operating system, displays its own proprietary splash or “cloud screen”while the operating system is loading. The display screen shows astatic, graphical company logo and product image with an activityindicator. The activity indicator generally shows activity near thebottom of the screen either using color manipulation or presenting aprogress bar with color filling to indicate the current progress of theoperating system loading.

During the time the operating system is loading, there is noinformational content displayed on the screen for the user. Moreover,the time spent loading the operating system is significantly longer thenthe POST of the BIOS. Consequently, a much shorter duration of time isgiven to the user to view and read the contents of the BIOS informationscreen display or other content for viewing by users.

During the time the operating system is loading and/or shutting down,content such as messages with graphics or informational material can bedisplayed on the display screen for the user. The longer the operatingsystem takes to load and/or shut down, the more content can be displayedon the display screen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a method of determining boot-up time of acomputer system. In one embodiment, the method includes retrieving afirst time on the computer system, loading the operating system,retrieving a second time on the computer system when the operatingsystem has loaded, and determining a boot time in response to the firstand second times.

Other embodiments are described and claimed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of one embodiment of an informationdistribution system in which the apparatus and method of the inventionis used.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary processor system or user computer systemwhich implements embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a logical diagram of one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate one embodiment of a process flow chartprovided in accordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a portion of a BIOS profilemodule, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram showing a process for determining bootduration, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a portion of the OS profilemodule, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary flow diagram of another portion of the OSprofile module, according to one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary flow diagram of yet another portion of the OSprofile module, according to one embodiment of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for determiningcomputer system usage profile on a computer system, and transmitting thecomputer system usage profile to a server which targets content to thecomputer system in response to the usage profile. The present inventionincludes a basic input output system (BIOS) module and/or an operatingsystem module which obtain computer system usage profile information.The modules track items such as the frequency of re-boots, the timerequired to boot and shut-down the operating system on the computersystem, the amount of time the computer system is “used”, and thefrequency and amount of time the computer system is connected to anetwork (e.g., the Internet). This data is collected and communicated toa profile server. The profile server targets content such as messageswith graphics or informational material, etc. to the computer systembased upon the usage profile. In one embodiment, the content isdisplayed during the time the operating system is loading and/orshutting down.

Definitions

As discussed herein, a “computer system” is a product includingcircuitry capable of processing data. The computer system may include,but is not limited to, general purpose computer systems (e.g., server,laptop, desktop, palmtop, personal electronic devices, etc.), personalcomputers (PCs), hard copy equipment (e.g., printer, plotter, faxmachine, etc.), banking. equipment (e.g., an automated teller machine),and the like. An infomediary is a web site that provides information onbehalf of producers of goods and services, supplying relevantinformation to businesses about products and/or services offered bysuppliers and other businesses. Content refers to application programs,driver programs, utility programs, the payload, etc., and combinationsthereof, as well as graphics, informational material (articles, stockquotes, etc.) and the like, either singly or in any combination.“Payload” refers to messages with graphics or informational material(such as articles, stock quotes, etc.) and may include files orapplications. In one embodiment, it is transferred at a predeterminedtime to the system's mass storage media. In addition, a “communicationlink” refers to the medium or channel of communication. Thecommunication link may include, but is not limited to, a telephone line,a modem connection, an Internet connection, an Integrated ServicesDigital Network (“ISDN”) connection, an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)connection, a frame relay connection, an Ethernet connection, a coaxialconnection, a fiber optic connection, satellite connections (e.g.Digital Satellite Services, etc.), wireless connections, radio frequency(RF) links, electromagnetic links, two way paging connections, etc., andcombinations thereof.

In addition, the loading of an operating system (“OS”) refers to theinitial placement of the operating system bootstrap loader. In oneembodiment, during the OS load, a sector of information is typicallyloaded from a hard disk into the system memory. Alternatively, thebootstrap loader is loaded from a network into system memory. An OS“boot” refers to the execution of the bootstrap loader. This places theOS in control of the system. Some of the actions performed during the OSboot include system configuration, device detection, loading of driversand user logins. OS runtime refers to the completion of the boot phaseand the beginning of the execution of applications by the OS. In oneembodiment, during OS runtime, the OS interacts with the user to executeand/ or run applications. Power On Self Test (POST) refers to theinstructions that are executed to configure and test the system hardwareprior to loading an OS.

System Overview

A description of an exemplary system, which incorporates embodiments ofthe present invention, is hereinafter described.

FIG. 1 shows a system block diagram of one embodiment of an informationdistribution system 10 in which the apparatus and method of theinvention is used. The system 10 relates to providing an infomediary. Itinvolves the construction and maintenance of a secure and privaterepository of Internet user and system profiles, collected primarilyfrom warranty service registrations, Internet service registrations,system profiles, and user preferences. Initially, this information isused to register the user with the manufacturers of purchased hardwareand software products, and with the providers of on-line or otherservices. Over time, the user data is used to create a user profile andnotify users of relevant software updates and upgrades, to encourageon-line purchases of related products, and to enable one-to-onecustomized marketing and other services.

In one embodiment, two software modules are used to implement variousembodiments of the invention. One is resident on a user's system, and isused to access a predetermined web site. For example, in one embodiment,the operating system and Basic Input and Output System (BIOS) arepre-installed on a computer system, and when the computer system issubsequently first powered up, an application, referred to fordiscussion purposes as the first software module (in one embodiment, thefirst software module is the initial start-up application (ISUA), whichwill be described in the following sections), will allow the launchingof one or more executable programs in the preboot environment. In oneembodiment, the first software module facilitates the launching of oneor more executable programs prior to the loading, booting, executionand/or running of the OS. In one embodiment, the user is encouraged toselect the use of such a program (i.e., the use of the first softwaremodule), and in alternative embodiments, the program is automaticallylaunched. The program(s) contained in the first software module enablestools and utilities to run at an appropriate time, and with proper userauthorization, also allow the user to download a second software modulethat includes drivers, applications and additional payloads through theInternet connection on the PC. The programs may also provide for remotemanagement of the system if the OS fails to launch successfully.

Once the second software module has been delivered, it may become memoryresident, and may disable the transferred copy of the first softwaremodule. The original copy of the first software module still residing inthe system's non-volatile memory remains idle until the-second softwaremodule fails to function, becomes corrupted or is deleted, upon which acopy of the original first software module is again transferred asdescribed above. The second software module may include an applicationthat connects the user to a specific server on the Internet and directsthe user to a predetermined web site to seek authorization to down loadfurther subscription material. The second software module may alsoinclude content that is the same or similar to the content of the firstsoftware module.

In one embodiment, the system may also include an initial payload thatis stored in Read Only Memory BIOS (ROM BIOS). In one embodiment, theinitial payload is part of the first software module (e.g., the ISUA).In an alternative embodiment, the initial payload is stored as a modulein ROM BIOS, separate from the first software module. In one embodiment,the initial payload is launched from ROM BIOS and displayed on thescreen after the Power On Self Test (POST) but prior to the booting,loading and/or execution of the OS. This may occur at a predeterminedtime, such as when the system is being manufactured, assembled andtested, or when the end user first activates the system. In an alternateembodiment, this initial payload is copied to a predetermined location(such as the system's hard disk) at a predetermined time, such as whenthe system is being manufactured, assembled and tested, or when the enduser first activates the system. Once copied, the payload executes afterPOST but prior to operation of the OS, and may display graphics,messages with graphics or informational material, animation, JointPhotographic Experts Group (JPEG)/Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)formatted material on the screen. When additional programs and/orpayloads are delivered. (via the Internet or other outside connection),the display screen may be used to provide customized screens in the formof messages or graphics prior to and during booting of the OS. Inaddition, executable programs delivered in the first software module, aswell as subsequent programs (such as the second software module)downloaded from the web site, may be used to survey the PC to determinevarious types of devices, drivers, and applications installed. In oneembodiment, as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/336,289 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Automatically InstallingAnd Configuring Software on a Computer” incorporated herein byreference, the first software. module is used to identify and toautomatically create shortcuts and/or bookmarks for the user. Theprograms downloaded from the website may include software that collectsand maintains a user profile based on the user's preferences. Suchinformation may be provided to the infomediary, which subsequentlyforwards portions of the information and/or compiled data based on theinformation to suppliers and other businesses to obtain updates orrevisions of information provided by the suppliers and other businesses.

Referring to FIG. 1, the information distribution system 10 comprises aservice center 20 that is connected over one or more communicationslinks 30 ₁-30 _(N) to one or more user computer systems 40 ₁-40 _(N)(“40”). The service center 20 includes one or more servers 22, one ormore databases 24, and one or more computers 26 ₁ 26 _(M). The one ormore computers 26 ₁-26 _(M) are capable of simultaneous access by aplurality of the user computer systems 40 ₁-4 _(N). If a plurality ofcomputers are used, then the computers 26 ₁-26 _(M) may be connected bya local area network (LAN) or any other similar connection technology.However, it is also possible for the service center 20 to have otherconfigurations. For example, a smaller number of larger computers (i.e.a few mainframe, mini, etc. computers) with a number of internalprograms or processes running on the larger computers capable ofestablishing communications links to the user computers.

The service center 20 may also be connected to a remote network 50(e.g., the Internet) or a remote site (e.g., a satellite, which is notshown in FIG. 1). The remote network 50 or remote site allows theservice center 20 to provide a wider variety of computer software,content, etc. that could be stored at. the service center 20. The one ormore databases 24 connected to the service center computer(s), e.g.,computer 26 ₁, are used to store database entries consisting of computersoftware available on the computer(s) 26. In one embodiment, each usercomputer 40 ₁-40 _(N) has its own secure database (not shown), that isnot accessible by any other computer. The communication links 30 ₁-30_(N) allow the one or more user computer systems 40 ₁-40 _(N) tosimultaneously connect to the computer(s) 26 ₁-26 _(M). The connectionsare managed by the server 22.

After a user computer system 40 establishes two-way communications withthe information service computer 26, the content is sent to the usercomputer system 40 in a manner hereinafter described. The downloadedcontent includes an application that surveys the user and/or the usercomputer system's hardware and/or software to develop a user profile aswell as a profile of the user's system. The information gathered fromthe user and/or user's computer system is subsequently provided to theservice center 20, which provides additional content to the usercomputer 40 based on the user and system profile. The database entriesfrom the database connected to the service computer 26 containinformation about computer software, hardware, and third party servicesand products that are available to a user. Based on the user and/ orsystem profile, the content is further sent to the user computer fordisplay. The content may also include a summary of information such asthe availability of patches and fixes for existing computer software,new versions of existing computer software, brand new computer software,new help files, etc. The content may further include informationregarding availability of hardware and third party products and servicesthat is of interest to the user. The user is then able to make one ormore choices from the summary of available products and services, andrequest that the products be transferred from the service computer 26 tothe user computer. Alternatively, the user may purchase the desiredproduct or service from the summary of available products and services.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary computer system 100 that implementsembodiments of the present invention. The computer system 100illustrates one embodiment of user computer systems 40 ₁-40 _(N) and/orcomputers 26 ₁-26 _(M) (FIG. 1), although other embodiments may bereadily used.

Referring to FIG. 2, the computer system 100 comprises a processor or acentral processing unit (CPU) 104. The illustrated CPU 104 includes anArithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) for performing computations, a collection ofregisters for temporary storage of data and instructions, and a controlunit for controlling operation for the system 100. In one embodiment,the CPU 104 includes any one of the x86, Pentium™, Pentium II™, andPentium Pro™ microprocessors as marketed by Intel™ Corporation, the K-6microprocessor as marketed by AMD™, or the 6×86MX microprocessor asmarketed by Cyrix™ Corp. Further examples include the Alpha™ processoras marketed by Digital Equipment Corporation™, the 680X0 processor asmarketed by Motorola™; or the Power PC™ processor as marketed by IBM™.In addition, any of a variety of other processors, including those fromSun Microsystems, MIPS, IBM, Motorola, NEC, Cyrix, AMD, Nexgen andothers may be used for implementing CPU 104. The CPU 104 is not limitedto microprocessor but may take on other forms such as microcontrollers,digital signal processors, reduced instruction set computers (RISC),application specific integrated circuits, and the like. Although shownwith one CPU 104, computer system 100 may alternatively include multipleprocessing units.

The CPU 104 is coupled to a bus controller 112 by way of a CPU bus 108.The bus controller 112 includes a memory controller 116 integratedtherein, though the memory controller 116 may be external to the buscontroller 112. The memory controller 116 provides an interface foraccess by the CPU 104 or other devices to system memory 124 via memorybus 120. In one embodiment, the system memory 124 includes synchronousdynamic random access memory (SDRAM). System memory 124 may optionallyinclude any additional or alternative high speed memory device or memorycircuitry. The bus controller 112 is coupled to a system bus 128 thatmay be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, Industry StandardArchitecture (ISA) bus, etc. Coupled to the system bus 128 are agraphics controller, a graphics engine or a video controller 132, a massstorage device 152, a communication interface device 156, one or moreinput/output (I/O) devices 168 ₁-168 _(N), and an expansion buscontroller 172. The video controller 132 is coupled to a video memory136 (e.g., 8 Megabytes) and video BIOS 140, all of which may beintegrated onto a single card or device, as designated by numeral 144.The video memory 136 is used to contain display data for displayinginformation on the display screen 148, and the video BIOS 140 includescode and video services for controlling the video controller 132. Inanother embodiment, the video controller 132 is coupled to the CPU 104through an Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) bus.

The mass storage device 152 includes (but is not limited to) a harddisk, floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, tape, high density floppy, highcapacity removable media, low capacity removable media, solid statememory device, etc., and combinations thereof. The mass storage device152 may include any other mass storage medium. The communicationinterface device 156 includes a network card, a modem interface, etc.for accessing network 164 via communications link 160. The I/O devices168 ₁-168 _(N) include a keyboard, mouse, audio/sound card, printer, andthe like. The I/O devices 168 ₁-168 _(N) may be a disk drive, such as acompact disk drive, a digital disk drive, a tape drive, a zip drive, ajazz drive, a digital video disk (DVD) drive, a solid state memorydevice, a magneto-optical disk drive, a high density floppy drive, ahigh capacity removable media drive, a low capacity media device, and/orany combination thereof. The expansion bus controller 172 is coupled tonon-volatile memory 175 which includes system firmware 176. The systemfirmware 176 includes system BIOS (numeral 82, FIG. 3), which is forcontrolling, among other things, hardware devices in the computer system100. The system firmware 176 also includes ROM 180 and flash (or EEPROM)184. The expansion bus controller 172 is also coupled to expansionmemory 188 having RAM, ROM, and/or flash memory (not shown). The system100 may additionally include a memory module 190 that is coupled to thebus controller 112. In one embodiment, the memory module 190 comprises aROM 192 and flash (or EEPROM) 194.

As is familiar to those skilled in the art, the computer system 100further includes an operating system (OS) and at least one applicationprogram, which in one embodiment, are loaded into system memory 124 frommass storage device 152 and launched after POST. The OS may include anytype of OS including, but not limited or restricted to, DOS, Windows™(e.g., Windows 95™, Windows 98™, Windows NT™), Unix, Linux, OS/2, OS/9,Xenix, etc. The operating system is a set of one or more programs whichcontrol the computer system's operation and the allocation of resources.The application program is a set of one or more software programs thatperforms a task desired by the user.

In accordance with the practices of persons skilled in the art ofcomputer programming, the present invention is described below withreference to symbolic representations of operations that are performedby computer system 100, unless indicated otherwise. Such operations aresometimes referred to as being computerexecuted. It will be appreciatedthat operations that are symbolically represented include themanipulation by CPU 104 of electrical signals representing data bits andthe maintenance of data bits at memory locations in system memory 124,as well as other processing of signals. The memory locations where databits are maintained are physical locations that have particularelectrical, magnetic, optical, or organic properties corresponding tothe data bits.

When implemented in software, the elements of the present invention areessentially the code segments to perform the necessary tasks. Theprogram or code segments can be stored in a processor readable medium ortransmitted by a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave over atransmission medium or communication link. The “processor readablemedium” may include any medium that can store or transfer information.Examples of the processor readable medium include an electronic circuit,a semiconductor memory device, a ROM, a flash memory, an erasable ROM(EROM), a floppy diskette, a CD-ROM, an optical disk, a hard disk, afiber optic medium, a radio frequency (RF) link, etc. The computer datasignal may include any signal that can propagate over a transmissionmedium such as electronic network channels, optical fibers, air,electromagnetic, RF links, etc. The code segments may be downloaded viacomputer networks such as the Internet, Intranet, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates a logical diagram of computer system 100. Referringto FIGS. 2 and 3, the system firmware 176 includes software modules anddata that are loaded into system memory 124 during POST and subsequentlyexecuted by the processor 104. In one embodiment, the system firmware176 includes a system BIOS module 82 having system BIOS handlers,hardware routines, etc., a ROM application program interface (RAPI)module 84, an initial start-up application (ISUA) module 86, an initialpayload 88 a, cryptographic keys 90, a cryptographic engine 92, and adisplay engine 94. The aforementioned modules and portions of systemfirmware 176 may be contained in ROM 180 and/or flash 184.Alternatively, the aforementioned modules and portions of systemfirmware 176 may be contained in ROM 190 and/or flash 194. RAPI 84provides a secure interface between ROM application programs and systemBIOS 82. The RAPI 84, ISUA 86, and initial payload 88 a may each beseparately developed and stored in the system firmware 176 prior toinitial use of the computer system 100. In one embodiment, the RAPI 84,ISUA 86, and initial payload 88 a each includes proprietary softwaredeveloped by Phoenix Technologies, Ltd. One embodiment of RAPI.84 isdescribed in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/336,889entitled “System and Method for Securely Utilizing Basic Input andOutput System (BIOS) Services,” filed on Jun. 18, 1999, assigned toPhoenix Technologies, Ltd., and which is incorporated herein byreference. One embodiment of ISUA 86 is described in co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/336,289 entitled “Method and Apparatusfor Automatically Installing and Configuring Software on a Computer,”filed on Jun. 18, 1999, assigned to Phoenix Technologies, Ltd., andwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A and 4B, after power isinitially turned on to a new computer system 100, the system commenceswith POST procedures. During the initial POST, the ISUA 86 istransferred to the mass storage device 152, as shown by A1. In oneembodiment, such a transfer is made during the manufacturing and/orassembly process, when the system 100 is first powered up after theoperating system has been installed (but prior to loading and runningthe operating system). In an alternative embodiment, such a transfer maybe made after the manufacturing and/or assembly process, after the userreceives and powers up the system 100. In a further alternateembodiment, during the transfer of the ISUA 86, additional programs,applications, drivers, data, graphics and other information may also betransferred (for example, from ROM) to the mass storage device 152. Forexample, the transfer may include the transfer of the initial payload 88a to the mass storage device 152, subsequent to which the initialpayload is delivered from the mass storage device 152. Alternatively,the initial payload may be delivered from the ROM. One embodiment of thesystem and process for facilitating such a transfer is described inco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/336,067 entitled “Systemand Method for Transferring an Application Program from System Firmwareto a Storage Device” filed on Jun. 18, 1999, which is assigned toPhoenix Technologies, Ltd., the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference. Alternative embodiments of the system and processfor facilitating such a transfer are described in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/272,859, entitled “Method and Apparatus forProviding Memory-based Device Emulation” filed on Mar. 19, 1999, inco-pending U.S. Patent Continuation-in-Part application Ser. No.09/336,307 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Providing Memory-BasedDevice Emulation” filed on Jun. 18, 1999, and in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/336,281 entitled “System and Method forInserting One or More Files Onto Mass Storage” filed Jun. 18,1999, eachof which is assigned to Phoenix Technologies, Ltd., the assignee of thepresent invention, the contents of each of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

In one embodiment, the ISUA 86 is a computer software executable programthat will determine if there are preinstalled programs that are residenton the end user's system. If so, it will identify those preinstalledprograms and create shortcuts (on the desktop in the case of a Windowsoperating system), or bookmarks, to allow the user to automaticallylaunch the programs. In this embodiment, the executable program is alsocapable of initiating and establishing two-way communications with oneor more applications on the server 22 and/ or any one of the servicecomputers 26 (FIG. 1), as described below. Moreover, in one embodiment,graphical content of the initial payload 88 a is displayed by displayengine 94 on the user's display screen 148 during POST. Alternatively,the graphical content of the initial payload 88 a may be displayed aftera subsequent booting process. For example, as part of the user's profileas described below, the user may be asked if he or she would like toobtain additional information regarding one or more products and/orservices. If the user so desires, content regarding the desired productsand/or services will be displayed during subsequent boot processes.

Once POST is completed, the OS is loaded, executed, and initialized.Standard OS drivers and services are then loaded. The user is thenprompted to enter registration information including demographicinformation such as age, gender, hobbies, etc. In addition, the ISUA 86is executed, and runs in the background, remaining idle until it detectsa communication link established between the computer system 100 and aremote server (e.g., server 22 of FIG. 1) over Network 164 of FIG. 2(e.g., over the Internet). In one embodiment, the ISUA 86 may searchthrough the operating system to determine if there are applications thathave been pre-loaded and pre-installed onto the system. If so, the ISUA86 may automatically provide short cuts and/or bookmarks for theapplications to launch into a predetermined server once thecommunication link is established. This communication link can beestablished with a network protocol stack, (e.g. TCP/IP) throughsockets, or any other two-way communications technique known in the art.Once the communication link 30 is established, the ISUA 86 issues arequest signal to the server 22 (as shown by A2) to download an initialcontent package 62 from a content module 60. Responsive to the request,the server downloads the initial content package 62 (as shown by A3),which, in one embodiment, is stored in the mass storage device 152. Inone embodiment, the initial content 62 and subsequent content 64 may bedeveloped separately, and each is encrypted and/or digitally signedusing encryption keys, prior to storing of the initial content 62 andsubsequent content 64 on the server 22. When the initial content 62and/or subsequent content 64 is/are subsequently downloaded into system100, the crypto engine 92 will use keys 90 to decrypt the initialcontent 62 and/or subsequent content 64.

As discussed earlier, the initial content package 62 may includeapplications 62 a, drivers 62 b, and payloads 62 c. In one embodiment,the applications 62 a include a data loader application and a profilemanager application. The data loader application functions in the sameor a similar manner as ISUA 86, and once downloaded, disables andreplaces the ISUA 86. More specifically, the data loader application isa computer software program which is also capable of initiating,establishing, and terminating two-way communications between the server22 and the computer system 100. The data loader application alsoprovides traffic control management between the server 22 and computersystem 100, as well as other functions to facilitate communicationbetween the end user's system and the designated server, and contentdownloading to the end user's system.

The profile manager obtains the user and system profiles of the computersystem 100 based on user preferences, system hardware, and softwareinstalled at the computer system 100. Upon obtaining the user and systemprofile of the computer system 100, the profile manager applicationforwards the results to the data loader application, which subsequentlyprovides the information to the server 22, which matches the userindicted preferences with database 24 (FIG. 1). The results may beforwarded at predetermined intervals or at the user's request. Theserver 22 then processes the user profile or demographic data andtargets content to the users which have similar profiles. In addition,the user profile data of a plurality of users are compiled on the server22 and aggregated to create an aggregate user profile model. Content isthen transmitted to user computer system's based on the user profiledata and/or the aggregate user profile model (as shown-by A4). Thesubsequent content 64 is downloaded and stored in system firmware 176,designated by numeral 88 b. In one embodiment, the subsequent content 64is stored in non-volatile memory such as flash or EEPROM, with theloading of the subsequent content being done by refashion the ROM, as iswell known by those skilled in the art. The subsequent content 64 mayalso be stored as one or more files on mass storage device 152 or may beused to modify the Windows™ system file (under the Windows™environment). The profile collection process is continued as long as thecomputer system 100 is activated. In one embodiment, content may bedownloaded after the user's profile is received and analyzed at theserver 22.

When the computer system 100 is subsequently powered up (see FIG. 4B),the system again performs POST. The content that was previouslydownloaded and stored in system firmware 176, and subject to copyrightissues being resolved, is then displayed, prior to loading and/orexecution of the operating system. In the Windows™ environment, theWindows™ logo, which is displayed during the initial loading of theoperating system, is subsequently replaced by one or more screen thatdisplay the previously downloaded content stored in system firmware 176.

In the case of storing the content as one or more files on the massstorage device 152, as opposed to reflashing the ROM, the Windows™ logofile, which is displayed during boot-up and shutdown, may be altered orreplaced. One embodiment utilizing this approach involves replacing thecorresponding Windows™ system files with the one or more files showingthe content (e.g., graphic file), as described in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/336,003 entitled “Displaying Images duringBoot-up and Shut-down” filed on Jun. 18, 1999, which is assigned toPhoenix Technologies, LTD., the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference. The boot-up Windows display file is named LOGO.SYSand is usually located in the Windows directory. First the Windows™LOGO.SYS file is transferred from the Windows directory to anotherdirectory. Then, the content graphics file is renamed as LOGO.SYS and istransferred to the Windows™ directory. The operating system retrievesthis file when the operating system is first launched, and hence thecontent is displayed on the display screen. Windows™ expects theLOGO.SYS file to be a bit-mapped file with resolution 320×400 and 256colors although Windows™ will later stretch the resolution to 640×400for displaying purposes. Therefore, the content graphics file is to bethe same graphics format (usually named with the extension “.BMP” beforebeing renamed to LOGO.SYS).

The operating system is then loaded, executed, and initialized. Thestandard operating system drivers and applications are also loaded. Theprofile manager is then executed. When a link has been established withthe predetermined web site, additional content may be downloaded andsubsequently displayed. Such additional content are either providedarbitrarily or provided based on the information obtained from a surveyof the user or the user's system. In one embodiment, once the bootprocess is completed, a portion of the display screen may bemused toprovide icons or shortcuts that are used to access detailed informationregarding the previously displayed messages with graphics orinformational material. In a further embodiment, the messages withgraphics or informational material may again be displayed during theshut-down process, for example, replacing the screen display thatdisplays the message “Windows is shutting down” or “It is now safe toturn off your computer” with other selected content.

1. Boot Frequency

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a portion of a BIOS profilemodule 200, according to one embodiment of the present invention. TheBIOS profile module 200 is part of the system BIOS 82 (FIG. 2), or is anadd-on to BIOS 82. Initially when the computer system 100 (FIG. 2) isfirst powered on, the BIOS profile module 200 sets up a BOOT_COUNT andinitializes it to zero, either on mass storage 152 or flash memory 184(e.g., some form of non-volatile storage). The BOOT_COUNT tracks thenumber of system boots either as a raw number or on a frequency basis(e.g., monthly, weekly, etc.). The BIOS profile module 200 is executedat some point during BIOS POST, as shown by block 205. In oneembodiment, the BIOS profile module 200 is executed at the end of BIOSPOST, just before the operating system is launched.

Referring to FIG. 5, the module 200 retrieves the system time and date(block 210), which is read from the system clock/timer chip. At block215, it is determined whether a predetermined time interval has expired.This involves reading a previous time and date, subtracting the currenttime and date from the previous time and date to provide a result, andcomparing the result with the predetermined time interval (e.g., yearly,monthly, weekly, daily, etc.). The previous time and date andpredetermined time interval are stored in non-volatile memory.Initially, when the computer system 100 is first powered up, an initialprevious time and date are stored. If the time interval has not expired,then BOOT_COUNT is incremented (block 220) and module 200 ends.

However, if the time interval has expired, then BOOT_COUNT and resultare stored in a separate non-volatile memory location (block 225) forlater transmission to, for example, profile server 22 (FIG. 1). Inaddition, a frequency based on the BOOT_COUNT and result is calculated(block 230) indicating an average of how often the computer system 100is booted. The frequency is stored with BOOT_COUNT and result, as asingle record. A number of such records are created over time, and theone or more records are transmitted to profile server 22 periodically.The one or more records are then cleared. Continuing to refer to FIG. 5,the current time and date are stored as the previous time and date(block 235), BOOT_COUNT is cleared (block 240), and the module 200 ends.

The boot frequency is used by the profile server 22 to determining howoften the user is on the computer system 100, and hence theeffectiveness -of content delivered to the computer system 100. Inaddition, the boot frequency is a factor in determining the periodicityfor delivering content to computer system 100.

2. Boot Duration

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram showing a process 250 for determining bootduration, according to one embodiment of the present invention.Referring to FIG. 6, the process 250 commences during BIOS POST by, forexample, the system BIOS 82 (FIG. 2). Immediately after enabling thevideo display during BIOS POST (block 255), the system time and date areread and stored in a temporary location (e.g., system memory 124, massstorage 152, etc. of FIG. 2), as shown in block 260. Reading the systemtime and date generally involves reading an I/O address where the systemtimer registers reside.

At the end of BIOS POST, the operating system is loaded, and, at the endof the loading of the operating system, an OS profile module is loaded(block 265). In one embodiment, the OS profile module is one of theapplication programs 62 a or drivers 62 b shown in FIG. 3, and is loadedat startup of the operating system. Once the OS profile module isloaded, it is assumed that the operating system or user desktop isavailable. Once loaded, the OS profile module reads the system time anddate (block 270). The OS profile module then subtracts the first timeand date located in the temporary location from the second time and date(block 275). The result is the boot duration, i.e., the time that ittakes to load the operating system. The boot duration is then stored asa record in non-volatile memory (e.g., mass storage 152, flash 184,etc.), as shown in block 280.

In one embodiment, each time the computer system 100 is booted, the bootduration is stored as a record. Alternatively, the boot duration iscalculated and stored periodically (e.g., every week, month, etc.). Itis important to calculate the boot duration each time or periodicallybecause the boot duration may vary from one boot to another. This couldbe attributed to a number of factors, including, for example, thechanging of machine settings (e.g., adding or removing hardware such asDVD-ROM drive), memory chip problems during BIOS POST which causes achange in the amount of detected memory, power fluctuations which causehard disk spin up times to vary, and the like.

The one or more records collected are periodically transmitted toprofile server 22 (FIG. 1). The boot duration indicates to the profileserver 22 the amount of time available for content to be displayed. Themore time content is displayed for end users, the more the originatorsof the content can be charged for displaying such content. A similarprocess can be used to determine the shut-down time.

3. Internet Connection Frequency

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a portion of the OS profilemodule 300, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In oneembodiment, the OS profile module 300 is an application program 62 a ordriver 62 b stored on mass storage 152 (FIG. 3). Initially when the OSprofile module 300 is first executed, the OS profile module 300 sets upa CONNECTION_COUNT and initializes it to zero, either on mass storage152 or flash memory 184 of FIG. 2 (e.g., some form of non-volatilestorage). The CONNECTION_COUNT tracks the number of connections to theInternet or other network either as a raw number or on a frequency basis(e.g., monthly, weekly, etc.). The OS module 300 watches for an Internetconnection while running in the background. For a description ofembodiments showing how the Internet connection detection operates, seeco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/336,108 and 09/336,289entitled “Method and Apparatus for Creating and Deploying SmallerMicrosoft Windows Applications for Automatic Configuration of aComputing Device” and “Method and Apparatus for Automatically Installingand Configuring Software on a Computer”, filed concurrently herewith andassigned to Phoenix Technologies Ltd., the assignee of the presentinvention, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.When a connection is detected (block 305), the module 300 incrementsCONNECTION_COUNT (block 310) and stores it back to memory.

At block 315,. the module 300 retrieves the current system time anddate, which are read from the system clock/ timer chip. At block 320, itis determined whether a predetermined time interval has expired. Thisinvolves reading a previous time and date, subtracting the current timeand date from the previous time and date to provide a result, andcomparing the result with a predetermined time interval (e.g., yearly,monthly, weekly, daily, etc.). The previous time and date andpredetermined time interval are stored in non-volatile memory.Initially, when the OS profile module 300 is first powered up, aninitial previous time and date is stored. If the time interval has notexpired, then the module ends.

However, if the time interval has expired, CONNECTION_COUNT and resultare stored in a separate non-volatile memory location (block 325) forlater transmission to, for example, profile server 22 (FIG. 1). Inaddition, a frequency, based on the CONNECTION_COUNT and result, iscalculated (block 330) indicating an average of how often there is anInternet connection. The frequency is stored with CONNECTION_COUNT andresult, as a single record. A number of such records are created overtime, and are transmitted to profile server 22 periodically. The one ormore records are then cleared. The current time and date are stored asthe previous time and date (block 335), CONNECTION_COUNT is cleared(block 340), and the module 300 ends.

The connection frequency is used by the profile server 22 to determininghow often the user is connected to the Internet, and hence the amount ofand periodicity of content that can be downloaded to computer system100.

4. Internet Connection Duration

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary flow diagram of another portion of the OSprofile module 400, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 8, the OS profile module 400 is loadedafter the operating system is loaded (block 405). The OS profile module400 then determines whether it is in a failsafe mode by interrogating afailsafe flag. The failsafe flag, which is optionally user alterable, isstored in non-volatile memory or is hard-coded as part of the module400. In the case where failsafe mode is not used, the OS profile module400 continuously monitors for an Internet connection while running inthe background (block 415). When a connection is detected, the OSprofile module 400 reads the system time and date, and stores the samein non-volatile memory as connection start_time. In the Windows™environment, the module 400 uses operating system call GetSystemTime( )to retrieve the system time and date.

When the computer system 100 (FIG. 2) is disconnected from the Internet,the module 400 detects the disconnection (block 425), retrieves the timeand date (e.g., using the GetSystemTime( ) call), as shown in block 430,and temporarily saves the same (e.g., in RAM) as connection end_time.The connection start_time is subtracted from the connection end_time todetermine a connection_duration (block 435). The connection duration isstored in a record in non-volatile memory-for later delivery to theprofile server 22 (FIG. 1). At block 485, a FAIL_FLAG is reset to zero(used in failsafe mode), and is described in the following paragraphs.

In an alternative implementation, the failsafe mode is utilized. Thefailsafe mode takes into account the fact that the computer system 100may shut-off abruptly, and recovers in a well-behaved manner. In thefailsafe mode, the OS profile module 400 utilizes an operating systemSetTimer( ) service to get a periodic signal from the operating system.When the module 400 receives the signal from the operating system, themodule verifies that the computer system 100 is still connected, and, ifso, retrieves the time and date using GetSystemTime( ) and stores thetime and date in non-volatile memory as connection tally time. Thishelps overcome situations where the computer system 100 loses power oris powered off without first disconnecting from the Internet.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 8, the OS profile module 400 determineswhether the prior connection ended properly (block 450). This isaccomplished by using a FAIL_FLAG that is stored in non-volatile memory.When the module 400 is started for the first time, FAIL_FLAG is set tozero. If FAIL_FLAG is modified to one and is not cleared, indicatingthat the prior connection did not end properly, the connection_durationis calculated using connection start_time and connection tally-timestored in non-volatile memory. The connection duration is then stored innon-volatile memory (block 455). On the other hand, if FAIL_FLAG isequal to zero, then the module 400 moves to block 460. At block 460, themodule 400 again waits for an Internet connection. Once an Internetconnection is detected, the time and date are retrieved and saved asconnection start-time, and FAIL_FLAG is set to one. At block 465, theperiodic notification is setup using the operating system SetTimer( )service. At block 470, a notification is received, and at block 475 itis determined whether there is still an Internet connection. If there isan Internet connection, the time and date are retrieved and saved asconnection tally_time in non-volatile memory (block 480). Blocks 470,475, and 480 are continuously executed until there is no longer anInternet connection, at which time blocks 430, 435, and 485 are executedas before, and the module ends.

The connection duration together with the connection frequency providethe profile server 22 with the ability to determining how often and forhow long the user is connected to the Internet or other network.

5. System Usage Duration

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary flow diagram of yet another portion of the OSprofile module 500, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 9, the OS profile module 500 is loadedafter the operating system is loaded (block 505). The OS profile module500 then determines whether it is in the failsafe mode. If failsafe modeis not used, the OS profile module 500 retrieves the system time anddate (e.g., using the GetSystemTime( ) call) and saves the same as usagestart_time in non-volatile memory (block 515). When a shutdown ofcomputer system 100 (FIG. 2) is detected (block 520), the module 500retrieves the time and date again (block 525), and temporarily saves thesame as usage end_time. The usage start_time is subtracted from theusage end_time to determine the usage-duration (block 530). The usageduration is stored in a record in non-volatile memory for later deliveryto the profile server 22 (FIG. 1). At block 535, a USAGE_FLAG is resetto zero (used in failsafe mode), as will be described in the followingparagraphs.

In the failsafe mode, the OS profile module 500 determines whether theprior usage ended properly (block 550). This is accomplished by usingthe USAGE_FLAG, which is stored in non-volatile memory. When the module500 is started for the first time, USAGE_FLAG is set to zero. IfUSAGE_FLAG is modified to one and is not reset, indicating that theprior usage of computer system 100 did not end properly, theusage_duration is calculated using usage start_time and usage tally_timestored in non-volatile memory. Then usage_duration is stored as a recordin non-volatile memory (block 555). On the other hand, if USAGE_FLAG isequal to zero, the module 500 retrieves and stores the system time anddate as usage start_time, and USAGE_FLAG is set to one (block 560). Atblock 565, the periodic notification is setup using the operating systemSetTimer( ) service. At block 570, a notification is received, and atblock 575 it is determined whether a shutdown is detected. If a shutdownis not detected, then the time and date are retrieved and saved as usagetally_time in non-volatile memory (block 580). Blocks 570, 575, and 580are continuously executed until a shutdown is detected, at which timeblocks 525, 530, and 535 are executed as before, and the module ends.

The system usage duration provides the profile server 22 information onhow long the user is on computer system 100.

Thus, as can be seen, the present invention provides numerousadvantages, some of which include the ability to determine computersystem usage profile, which is periodically provided to a server, andthe ability to intelligently target content from the server to thecomputer system responsive to the computer system usage profile. Theintelligent decisions include, for example, the amount of andperiodicity of content to download, the price to charge third-partycontent providers for the content, and the like, in order to maximizethe efficiency and effectiveness of the content.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other modifications mayoccur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of determining boot-up time of acomputer system, comprising: retrieving a first time on the computersystem; loading an operating system; retrieving a second time on thecomputer system when the operating system has loaded; determining a boottime in response to the first and second times; and determining anamount of content to transfer to the computer system based on the boottime.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising transferring the boottime to a server.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprisingtransferring an amount of content responsive to the boot time.
 4. Themethod of claim 2 further comprising adjusting the periodicity of thecontent to be transferred responsive to the boot time.
 5. The method ofclaim 4 further comprising transferring the content from the server tothe computer system.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising storingeach boot time as a record.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein retrievinga first time comprises retrieving the first time from the system timerof the computer system using a BIOS profile module.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein retrieving a second time comprises e second time fromthe system timer on the computer system once the operating oaded usingan OS profile module, said OS profile module to be loaded once the stemhas been loaded.
 9. The method of claim 4, further comprisingdetermining a boot the computer system, said boot frequency to be usedin said adjusting the periodicity of the content to be transferredresponsive to the boot time.
 10. A computer program product, comprising:a computer usable medium having computer program code embodied thereinto retrieve a first time on the computer system; computer readableprogram code to cause an operating system to load; computer readableprogram code to retrieve a second time on the computer system when theoperating system has loaded; computer readable program code to determinea boot time in response to the first and second times; and computerreadable program code to determine an amount of content to transfer tothe computer system based on the boot time.
 11. The computer programproduct of claim 10 further comprising computer readable program code totransfer the boot time to a server.
 12. The computer program product ofclaim 11 further comprising computer readable program code to transferan amount of content responsive to the boot time.
 13. The computerprogram product of claim 11 further comprising computer readable programcode to adjust the periodicity of the content to be transferredresponsive to the boot time.
 14. The computer program product of claim13 further comprising computer readable program code to transfer thecontent from the server to the computer system.
 15. A system,comprising: a computer including, a memory element having one or moreinstructions, and a processor coupled to the memory element, theprocessor, in response to the one or more instructions to, retrieve afirst time on the computer, load an operating system, retrieve a secondtime on the computer when the operating system has loaded, determine aboot time in response to the first and second times; and transmit theboot time when a network connection is detected; and a server to receivethe boot time, determine an amount of content to transfer to thecomputer based on the boot time, transmit said amount of content to thecomputer, and charge said amount from a source of the content responsiveto the boot time.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the server toadjust an amount of content to transfer responsive to the boot time. 17.The system of claim 15 wherein the processor to transmit a frequency ofboots of the computer to the server such that the server adjusts aperiodicity of the content that is transferred to the computer.